Camponotus fellah (The Giant Middle Eastern Carpenter Ant)

Introduction

Camponotus fellah is a titan among ants. Native to the arid and semi-arid regions of the Middle East and North Africa, it is one of the largest and most powerful members of the genus Camponotus. Known for its incredible size, dramatic polymorphism, and impressive speed, C. fellah is a dominant species in its natural habitat. These ants are not for the faint of heart; they are bold, aggressive, and highly active, making them a "powerhouse" species for any advanced ant keeper's collection.

Keeping Camponotus fellah is an exhilarating experience. Unlike many carpenter ants that are slow to move and easily stressed, C. fellah is a high-octane species. They are famous for their rapid growth once established and their ability to recruit massive major workers to any disturbance or food source. Watching a super-major C. fellah—with its huge head and powerful mandibles—patrol the outworld is like watching a miniature apex predator. They are the definition of an "impressive" ant.

Taxonomy and Distribution

Camponotus fellah is a member of the subfamily Formicinae and the subgenus Tanaemyrmex. This subgenus contains many of the world's most successful and widespread "long-legged" carpenter ants. C. fellah is closely related to species like C. maculatus, but it is generally more robust and adapted to harsher, more arid environments. Their name "fellah" comes from the Arabic word for "peasant" or "farmer," though these ants are anything but humble in their behavior.

Their distribution is centered in the Middle East, including Israel, Jordan, Saudi Arabia, and Egypt, as well as parts of North Africa. They are highly adapted to hot, dry climates, ranging from coastal plains to inland deserts. They typically nest in the soil, often creating deep vertical shafts to reach cooler, moister layers. They are frequently found nesting at the base of trees or under large rocks that provide shade and thermal stability.

Physical Characteristics

Camponotus fellah is a highly polymorphic species with a spectacular range of worker sizes. Minor workers measure around 8-10mm, while the massive majors can reach a staggering 16-18mm. The queen is a truly colossal figure, often exceeding 20mm in length. Their coloration is a sophisticated blend of dark brownish-black on the head and gaster, with a deep reddish-brown or mahogany thorax. Their bodies are long and sleek, with exceptionally long legs that allow them to move with incredible speed across the desert sand.

The major workers are particularly impressive. Their heads are large and heart-shaped, housing the powerful muscles needed to crush prey and defend the colony. They have excellent vision and are very responsive to movement. Their entire body has a slight glossy sheen, and their movements are deliberate and commanding. In the world of Camponotus, C. fellah represents the peak of physical development and athleticism.

Colony Behavior and Social Structure

Colonies of Camponotus fellah are monogynous and can grow to include several thousand workers. They are known for their relatively fast development compared to temperate Camponotus species. Once the colony reaches the "major" stage, their behavior becomes increasingly aggressive and territorial. They are highly organized and utilize sophisticated pheromone trails to coordinate their foraging and defense.

They are primarily nocturnal or crepuscular in the wild to avoid the extreme midday heat, but in captivity, they are active around the clock. Socially, they are very tight-knit, with frequent trophallaxis (food sharing) and grooming. One of their most notable behaviors is their defensive response: when threatened, they will drum their gasters against the nest to alert the colony, and within seconds, a swarm of majors will emerge to confront the intruder. They are bold foragers and will not hesitate to take down large insects.

Diet and Foraging

Camponotus fellah is a generalist omnivore with a very high appetite. They require large quantities of both carbohydrates and protein to fuel their active lifestyle and the growth of their massive workers. In the wild, they forage for honeydew, nectar, and any insects they can overpower. In captivity, they must have a constant supply of sugar water, honey, or specialized ant syrups. They also enjoy sweet fruits like melons or dates.

Protein is essential, and they are prolific hunters. They will readily accept crickets, roaches, mealworms, and flies. Because they are large and powerful, they can handle live prey better than most ants, though fresh-killed is always safer. A well-fed C. fellah colony will produce more and larger major workers, which are the highlight of keeping this species. Their foraging trails in the outworld are a joy to watch as the long-legged workers move with purpose and speed.

Life Cycle and Reproduction

The development from egg to adult in Camponotus fellah takes approximately 6 to 9 weeks, depending on the temperature. Like all Formicinae, they pupate in silk cocoons. The workers are very protective of the brood and will move them constantly to find the perfect microclimate within the nest. The speed of their development, combined with the queen's high egg-laying capacity, means that a small starter colony can become a large, impressive display in a relatively short time.

Nuptial flights occur during the warm, humid nights of the spring or autumn. The large, winged queens and males take to the air in massive numbers. After mating, the queen searches for a suitable soil cavity to start her colony. She is a claustral founder, but she is very robust and has a high success rate in captivity if provided with a warm, quiet, and dark environment. Once the first "nanitic" workers arrive, the colony's growth is often relentless.

Environmental Requirements

To keep Camponotus fellah healthy, you must provide a warm and relatively dry environment. They require a significant temperature gradient in the nest, with a warm spot reaching 28-30°C (82-86°F) and a cooler area around 22-24°C (72-75°F). Humidity should be kept at a moderate level (50-60%), with at least one chamber kept slightly moister for the brood. They are very sensitive to vibrations, so the habitat should be placed in a stable location.

They do not require a traditional "cold" hibernation like temperate species, but they do benefit from a "rest" period during the winter months. During this time (usually December to February), the temperature can be lowered to 18-20°C, and feeding can be reduced. This rest period helps the queen maintain her long-term fertility and health. They are also very fond of light in their outworld, which simulates the bright Middle Eastern sun.

Keeping Camponotus fellah as Pets

Camponotus fellah is the "Lamborghini" of the ant world—fast, powerful, and stunning to look at. They are ideal for intermediate to advanced keepers who want a species that is active, aggressive, and grows to an impressive size. While they require a bit more space and food than smaller ants, the reward of seeing a fully functional C. fellah colony is unparalleled. They are clean, robust, and offer some of the best observation opportunities in the entire hobby.

Recommended Habitats

For a large and fast species like C. fellah, a secure and spacious habitat is a must. We recommend the following ANT SHACK products:

• Ant Habitat “Paris“ - The "Paris" model's large horizontal surface area is perfect for the long-legged C. fellah. It provides the space they need to run and the clarity needed to see every detail of their impressive majors.
• All-in-One Desktop Ant Habitat - A fantastic choice for a growing colony. The integrated outworld is secure and easy to clean, which is essential for a species as active and high-metabolism as this one.
• Natural Ant Habitat Kit - Large - For a naturalistic Middle Eastern setup. This kit allows you to use sandy soil and rocks to mimic the desert-edge environment where C. fellah is most at home, providing a truly spectacular display.